Crime & Safety

Attorney: MHS Football Star Wasn't at Fontana Shooting

Derrick Johnson remains charged with attempted murder for his alleged involvement in a botched Fontana robbery in April.

An attorney for star Monrovia High School linebacker Derrick Johnson told Patch in an interview Tuesday that his client was not involved in or present during a that left a Fontana man wounded in April.

Johnson, 18, remains in custody and to attempted murder and other charges for allegedly participating in the robbery of two brothers outside a Fontana preschool.

Johnson and a 17-year-old juvenile are accused of confronting the men and trying to rob them at gunpoint. Police said the juvenile shot one of the men in the left side and buttock as he tried to flee.

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Pasadena lawyer Sylvan Daroca, who represents Johnson, said Tuesday that Johnson was not present during the robbery or shooting and had nothing to do with the alleged crimes.

"The essence of my client's defense is that he was not involved in any robbery or shooting, did not hold, touch, use or brandish any weapon, and that he asked for nothing from any victim, demanded nothing and received nothing," Daroca said. "My client was not in the presence of the victims, nor was he in the presence of the shooter when the alleged attempted robbery or shooting took place."

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Fontana police said that Johnson and the juvenile approached Ramon Lopez Camarena and his brother outside of a preschool at about 9:23 p.m. in the 14200 block of Baseline Avenue on April 20 and attempted to sell them marijuana. The juvenile then pulled a gun and demanded money, police said.

Camarena attempted to knock the gun out of the juvenile's hand before the 17-year-old opened fire, according to police. Johnson and the juvenile faces charges of attempted murder, attempted robbery, possession of marijuana and attempted sale or transportation of marijuana.

Johnson remains in custody in lieu of $1.4 million in bail, according to sheriff's booking records.

Daroca said police reports do not indicate the presence of Johnson at the scene of the crime. Johnson was also not identified by anyone as being present during the crimes, Daroca said.

"There was no misidentification; he just wasn't there," Daroca said, adding that the drug charges are "subject to further investigation."

Johnson was a starting senior linebacker for the Wildcats last season when they won their . He was named the and made the All CIF-SS squad.

As a senior linebacker, Johnson led Monrovia with 110 tackles last year. He also recorded three sacks and had three fumble recoveries. Johnson also saw some time at running back, carrying the ball 18 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnson is due back in Fontana Superior Court on July 6, according to court records.


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